What Does It Mean To Live A Unique Life?

Ten years ago, I found myself at a crossroads. At 17 years old, I was the youngest employee at a company with one of the best positions to move up in the corporate world. With a dream job and a good boyfriend, I felt like I was well on my way to living the "American Dream."But while everything looked good from the outside, I was crying on the inside.

I was doing work I didn't love, living a lifestyle consisting of working hard and partying harder that didn't serve my highest, best self. I felt STUCK. I wanted so much more out of life, but I didn't know how to get there. I didn't know how to get out!

I KNEW I wanted to live a life that was different than I had, then what was considered "normal." I wanted a life that was unique and authentic to ME.

At the time, I didn't know anyone that had backpacked around the world, or quit everything, and sold everything to embark on a grand adventure! Everyone I knew got out of high school, went to college, got a job, planned on getting married, getting a house, having kids... It was, in my eyes, a typical, normal, socially-acceptable way of life, but it wasn't for me.

I needed adventure! Passion! Purpose! I needed to discover who I was, and what I loved, and learn how to create a career and lifestyle around that.

So I packed up my backpack and set out to seek new cultures, new trades and new perspectives on happiness, health, wealth and fulfillment. I traveled to various continents throughout my early twenties, continuously coming to terms with what made me tick, and what simply did not. Essentially, I found myself by getting lost. I rejected the idea of normalcy and opened my heart to living a life that suited my needs, not someone else's.

Living a unique life doesn't HAVE to be about traveling the world, but it does mean that you are living a life authentic to you. If you stay in what is comfortable and easy, you will never overcome fears, concerns and worries hindering you from experiencing more, and therefore, learning more in order to truly thrive and feel alive.

If you decide today is the day you are going to start living your unique life, here are four valuable steps to guide you.

1. Define What Unique Means To You

As mentioned previously, my definition of what makes something normal or unique doesn't define how you should view the world. Remember, this is about living your authentic self, not mine, not anyone else's. Brainstorm how you can live more authentically. What is your dream lifestyle? Write it down and place it somewhere you can see it.

2. Decide To Make Your Unique Life Happen

It's easy to say you don't have enough money, people are depending on you to keep things as are, or that you're afraid of changing up what seems to be working, but believe me when I say there will NEVER be the perfect time. Decide that, no matter what, today is the day you begin to live your unique life. The hard part is following through, the rest will naturally fall into place.

3. Let Your Heart Be Your Guide

Being rational has its place, but when it comes to making the bold decision to change your life path, it's important to tune into your emotional side. Visualize your unique life and reflect on how it makes you feel. Allow that overwhelming abundance in your heart to give you the courage to move forward and the wisdom to let go of any and all boundaries holding you back.

4. Feed Your Curiosity

You may not totally understand your purpose, which is why it's so important to go with your gut. Allow your most powerful and purposeful self to thrive by exploring new hobbies, new territories, and whatever else intrigues you. The more you feed your curiosity, the more you can see the patterns of what interests you, and therefore shift your focuses on those passions that make you feel the most fulfilled. *The secret is your intention behind your exploration. Don't explore with expectation. Explore with curiosity and intrigue for what lights you up!

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